Kenyan youngster clocks an impressive win in just his second 5,000m race.
At only 20 years old, Kenya’s Cheruiyot delivered a performance that stunned even seasoned athletics fans. In what was only the second 5,000m race of his career, he closed the final lap in just 54 seconds — a powerful burst that left the rest of the field trailing behind.
Beating Big Names on a Big Stage
Cheruiyot stormed past Swiss runner Dominic Lobalu, who came second with a season-best time of 13:17.70. Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew had to settle for third place after a dramatic photo-finish. The competition was tight, but Cheruiyot had the final word.
A Huge Leap from Nairobi to Doha
Back in 2022, the youngster had clocked 13:33.05 in Nairobi at altitude. This time in Doha, he shaved off several seconds to set a new personal best — an impressive achievement that shows his rapid growth on the track.
From Olympic Exit to International Threat
Although he didn’t go past the semifinals in the 1500m at the Paris Olympics, this latest win shows a different side of the soft-spoken Kenyan. He seems more focused, more composed, and clearly more dangerous.
Eyes Now Set on Paris 2025
With the World Championships coming up in 2025, Cheruiyot’s name will surely be in the mix. His performance under the floodlights in Doha sent a clear message — the next generation of long-distance champions is already here.
